According to DIDEA, how often should assessments be conducted?

The recommended approach, which is focused on conducting assessments regularly throughout the learning process, underscores the importance of continuous evaluation in education. This method allows educators to gather ongoing information about student understanding and performance, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding instruction and support. Regular assessments facilitate timely feedback, helping students identify areas where they may need improvement while also allowing teachers to adjust their teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.

By integrating assessments throughout the learning journey, both formative and summative strategies can be employed. Formative assessments can help monitor student progress and provide opportunities for remediation as needed. This ongoing feedback loop can enhance student engagement and ownership of their learning, leading to better academic outcomes.

In contrast, limiting assessments to infrequent intervals or only at specific points in the academic year would not provide the comprehensive overview needed to inform instruction effectively. Additionally, not assessing at all can hinder the recognition of student progress and may lead to unresolved educational challenges.